Back to school safety tips
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, August 18, 2026
With the 2026 school year nearly upon us, Commander Steve Timmons of the Aberdeen Police Department provided the following safety tips:
Shortly, school zones will be active again and we’re asking everyone behind the wheel to help keep our students safe. Please slow down, stay alert, and follow the posted 20 mph school zone speed limit. School zones are clearly marked, and the 20 mph limit extends 300 feet (about one city block) in either direction.
Our officers will be out in school zones enforcing the speed limit and helping keep children safe. Please also remember that drivers must stop for a school bus that is stopped on the roadway to pick up or drop off students when its visual signals are activated. Do not pass or overtake the school bus (RCW 46.61.370).
The monetary penalty for both school zone violations and overtaking a school bus when stopped to pick up or drop off students is doubled and cannot be waived, reduced, or suspended (RCW 46.61.440).
Keeping kids safe is a shared responsibility. Put away distractions, watch for children and crossing pedestrians, and give yourself a little extra time when driving through a school zone. A few extra seconds can make a difference.
Thank you for doing your part to help keep our students safe.
School zone times are typically between 7:45 to 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for early release, and 3 to 4 p.m. Some schools, such as Miller Junior High School and Aberdeen High School, maintain their school zone restrictions from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check with your school district if you have any questions.
The school year starts for:
Aberdeen School District — Sept. 2
Cosmopolis School District — Sept. 2
Elma School District — Sept. 2
Hoquiam School District — Sept. 2
Lake Quinault School District — Aug. 25
McCleary School District — Sept. 2 for 1st-8th grade, Sept. 2-4 is kindergarten slow start
Montesano School District — Sept. 2
North Beach School District — Aug. 26
North River School District — Sept. 1
Oakville School District — Aug. 28
Ocosta School District — Sept. 2
Satsop School District — Sept. 2
Taholah ASchool District — Aug. 31
Wishkah Valley School District — Sept. 1
